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Carroll Dale

Carroll Dale (born April 24, 1938) is a former professional who played as a in the () for 14 seasons, primarily known for his tenure with the where he contributed to three consecutive championships and two victories. A native of Wise, Virginia, Dale attended , where he starred as an end from 1956 to 1959, captaining the team in his senior year and recording 67 receptions for 1,191 yards and 15 touchdowns, earning first-team All-Southern Conference honors. Selected by the in the eighth round (86th overall) of the 1960 , Dale spent his first five professional seasons with the , catching 149 passes for 2,663 yards and 17 touchdowns. Traded to the on April 13, 1965, for linebacker Dan Currie, he became a key component of Vince Lombardi's offense, amassing 275 receptions for 5,422 yards and 35 touchdowns over eight seasons, including 818 yards and eight touchdowns in 1968 that earned him selections in 1968, 1969, and 1970. Dale's Packers tenure included pivotal roles in their 1965, 1966, and 1967 championships, as well as victories in and ; he later appeared in with the Minnesota Vikings after signing with them for his final season in 1973, finishing his career with 438 receptions for 8,277 yards and 52 touchdowns. Inducted into the in 1987 and the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in 1979, Dale is remembered as a smooth route runner and deep-threat receiver who combined size (6-foot-2, 200 pounds) with speed to become one of the era's premier wideouts.

Early life

Childhood and family

Carroll Dale was born on April 24, 1938, in Wise, Virginia, a small town in the coal-mining region. He grew up in Wise during his childhood and maintained strong ties to the area throughout his life, eventually returning there after his professional football career to live less than a quarter mile from his childhood home. The modest, working-class environment of the coal-mining community shaped his early years, fostering a sense of and local pride.

High school career

Carroll Dale attended J.J. Kelly High School in Wise, Virginia, a rural institution. He graduated from the school in 1956. At J.J. Kelly, Dale played . He enrolled at later that year.

College football career

Virginia Tech playing career

Carroll Dale enrolled at in 1956, joining the Hokies football team as a freshman and quickly establishing himself as a key contributor on both offense and defense. Playing primarily as an end, he appeared in all games during his first season, recording 8 receptions for 157 yards and 3 touchdowns while helping the team navigate a challenging schedule in the . His versatility extended to defensive duties, where he contributed to the Hokies' efforts in a 7-2-1 season, though he did not start that initial game. As a in 1957, Dale transitioned into a starting role and began a streak of 39 consecutive starts that would span the remainder of his college career, missing only that single freshman outing. He led the team in receiving with 17 catches for 171 yards, focusing on shorter routes to support the ground game in a 4-6 campaign, though he did not score via reception that year. By his junior season in 1958, Dale shifted toward the flanker position, exploding for 25 receptions, 459 yards, and 6 touchdowns—his most productive year statistically—while anchoring the offense during a 5-4-1 that included competitive showings against conference rivals. In his senior year of 1959, Dale served as team captain, guiding the Hokies through a 6-4 season as they leaned on his leadership and receiving prowess. He again topped the team's receiving stats with 17 catches for 408 yards and 6 touchdowns, maintaining a career average of 17.8 yards per reception across his four seasons, where he led Virginia Tech in receptions annually for a total of 67 catches, 1,195 yards, and 15 touchdowns. His consistent production as a deep threat and blocker solidified his role as a of the Hokies' passing attack.

College accolades

During his junior and senior seasons at , Carroll Dale earned All-American recognition, being selected as a second-team honoree by the Newspaper Enterprise Association (NEA) in both 1958 and 1959, while also receiving first-team honors from Look magazine in 1959. These selections marked him as the first Virginia Tech player to achieve All-American status. In 1958, Dale was named the Player of the Year, recognizing his standout contributions as a blocker and receiver. He also received the Jacobs Blocking Trophy that year for his excellence in blocking within the conference. As a senior in 1959, Dale served as team captain, leading the Hokies through a 6–4 season that included a third-place finish in the . His leadership extended to on-field performance, where he continued to excel as the team's primary receiver. Over his four-year career from 1956 to 1959, Dale led Virginia Tech in receptions each season, setting school records for career receptions (67), receiving yards (1,195), and touchdown catches (15) at the time. These achievements helped elevate the Hokies' passing attack and contributed to their competitive standing in the during the late 1950s.

Professional football career

Los Angeles Rams

Carroll Dale was selected by the in the eighth round (86th overall) of the 1960 out of , marking his entry into professional football as a . As a in 1960, Dale appeared in 12 games, primarily adjusting to the professional level while playing split end, and recorded 19 receptions for 336 yards with three touchdowns, contributing to a Rams team that finished 4-7-1 and out of playoff contention. Over his five seasons with the from 1960 to 1964, Dale demonstrated positional versatility, shifting between split end and left end roles while serving as a key target in the passing game for non-contending teams that struggled to achieve winning records. In total, he amassed 149 receptions for 2,663 yards, averaging 17.9 yards per catch, and scored 17 touchdowns across 65 games. His production gradually increased, reflecting growing comfort in the ; notable seasons included 1963, when he caught 34 passes for 638 yards and a career-high seven touchdowns with the , helping to stretch defenses despite the team's 5-9 finish. Dale's time in Los Angeles honed his skills as a deep-threat receiver on squads that ranked middling in the Western Conference, with yearly outputs showing steady involvement: 35 receptions for 561 yards and two touchdowns in 1961 (team record: 4-10), 29 catches for 584 yards and three scores in 1962 (5-7-2), and 32 receptions for 544 yards with two touchdowns in 1964 (5-7-2). This period established Dale as a reliable flanker capable of big plays, though the ' overall lack of success limited team-wide impact.

Green Bay Packers

Carroll Dale was traded to the from the Los Angeles Rams on April 13, 1965, in exchange for linebacker Dan Currie. He played eight seasons with the Packers from 1965 to 1972, appearing in 111 regular-season games and starting 106 of them. During this period, Dale recorded 275 receptions for 5,422 yards and 35 touchdowns, averaging 19.7 yards per catch. Dale played a key role in the Packers' success under head coach , contributing as a deep-threat on three consecutive championship teams in the 1965, 1966, and 1967 seasons. His speed and route-running ability complemented quarterback Bart Starr's precise passing, helping Green Bay establish dominance in the league during Lombardi's final years as coach. In the postseason, Dale started all 11 games, catching 31 passes for 565 yards and three touchdowns. In following the 1966 season, Dale had four receptions for 59 yards as the Packers defeated the 35-10. For after the 1967 season, Dale remained part of the roster in Green Bay's 33-14 victory over the . Dale led the Packers in receiving yards six times during his tenure (1966, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, and 1972), showcasing his consistency as the team's primary aerial threat. He earned three selections in 1968, 1969, and 1970. In 1966, Dale led the with 23.7 yards per reception on 37 catches for 876 yards and seven touchdowns.

Minnesota Vikings

After leaving the Green Bay Packers following the 1972 season, Carroll Dale signed with the Minnesota Vikings for the 1973 NFL season, joining the team as a veteran wide receiver at age 35. In 13 games with the Vikings, he recorded 14 receptions for 192 yards, providing depth to the receiving corps amid Minnesota's potent offense led by quarterback Fran Tarkenton. His championship experience from earlier years with the Packers aided his role as a seasoned mentor on the team. Dale contributed to the Vikings' successful 12-2 regular season, which clinched the Central Division title and earned them a berth in the playoffs. advanced through the postseason, defeating the Washington Redskins in the divisional round and the in the , setting up their appearance in against the . In the Super Bowl on January 13, 1974, at Rice Stadium in , the Vikings fell 24-7 to the undefeated Dolphins, with Dale not recording any receptions in the contest. At 35, Dale's performance in 1973 marked the conclusion of his 14-year career, during which he amassed 438 receptions for 8,277 yards and 52 touchdowns across stints with the , Packers, and . He announced his retirement after the loss, citing the physical demands of the game and a desire to reflect on his longevity as a professional athlete who had played in multiple championship games.

Post-retirement activities

After retiring from the in 1973, Dale worked for 17 years as a mine operator and superintendent in the coal industry in his hometown of Wise, Virginia.

College athletics administration

After retiring from the , Carroll Dale returned to his hometown of Wise, Virginia, where he was appointed director of athletics at the University of Virginia's College at Wise (formerly Clinch Valley College) in 1991. In this role, Dale led efforts to establish the college's football program, which launched in 1991 with an eight-game schedule designed to increase enrollment. He secured initial funding of $250,000 and negotiated agreements with local high schools in Wise and nearby counties—such as Wise, Russell, Lee, Scott, Dickenson, and Tazewell—to utilize their facilities for Saturday afternoon games, including the use of J.J. Kelly High School's stadium, later named Carroll Dale Stadium. Dale also hired the program's first head coach, Bill Ramseyer, drawing on recommendations from NFL figures Paul Brown and Dan Devine, which helped lay the foundation for early success, including NAIA playoff appearances in 1995 and 1996. Beyond the football initiative, Dale's administrative contributions focused on overall program development and in Wise, Virginia, by fostering partnerships with local institutions to enhance athletic resources and visibility. He served as director through the and into the early 2000s, significantly impacting the athletic department's growth and stability, before transitioning to Assistant Vice Chancellor for Athletic Development by 2013.

Public speaking and philanthropy

Following his retirement from professional football, Carroll Dale emerged as a prominent , particularly through his longstanding involvement with the (FCA), where he shares faith-based messages and life lessons drawn from his athletic career. Dale has emphasized the role of the in his personal journey, often incorporating these insights into his presentations to inspire audiences on themes of perseverance, faith, and moral character. Dale's speaking engagements with the FCA have included motivational talks at various events, such as prayer breakfasts and community gatherings, where he recounts his experiences from growing up in , his college and successes, and his commitment to Christian principles. These appearances, often held at schools, churches, and athletic programs, aim to encourage young people to integrate faith into their pursuits, leveraging his platform as a former champion to connect with listeners on personal and spiritual growth. In addition to his speaking roles, Dale has engaged in philanthropic efforts centered on youth sports and community development in his hometown of , Virginia, including support for local athletic initiatives that promote opportunities for young athletes. One notable example is his association with the annual Carroll Dale Invitational Tournament, which raises funds to support athletic programs at UVA Wise. On a personal level, Dale demonstrated his commitment to family and in 2009 when he actively supported his grandson, 6-year-old Dale Cox, who was battling , a rare genetic blood disorder requiring a bone marrow transplant. Drawing on his football fame, Dale organized a event in , featuring autograph sessions and proceeds from local business donations to help cover the family's substantial medical expenses, estimated at around $1 million after insurance. This effort highlighted his dedication to overcoming health challenges through community involvement and personal advocacy.

Honors and awards

Professional achievements

Carroll Dale enjoyed a distinguished 14-season career in the (NFL), spanning from 1960 to 1973 with the , , and Minnesota Vikings. Over 189 games played, he recorded 438 receptions for 8,277 receiving yards, averaging 18.9 yards per catch, and scored 52 receiving touchdowns. During his tenure, Dale earned three selections in 1968, 1969, and 1970, recognizing his elite performance as a . He also received recognition, including a Second-Team selection by the Newspaper Enterprise Association in 1968. Dale contributed significantly to team success, particularly with the Packers, where he helped secure three consecutive championships from to and victories in and . With the Packers from to 1972, Dale established himself as a franchise cornerstone, leading the team in receiving yards six times— in 1966 (876 yards), 1968 (818 yards), 1969 (879 yards), 1970 (814 yards), 1971 (598 yards), and 1972 (317 yards).

College achievements

Carroll Dale played at from 1956 to 1959, where he established himself as the team's leading receiver each season. Over his career, he recorded 67 receptions for 1,195 yards and 15 touchdowns, averaging 17.8 yards per catch. His annual breakdown included 8 receptions for 157 yards and 3 touchdowns as a in 1956, 17 receptions for 171 yards in 1957, a standout year with 25 receptions for 459 yards and 6 touchdowns in 1958, and 17 receptions for 408 yards and 6 touchdowns in 1959. Dale also demonstrated durability by starting 39 consecutive games, beginning after his debut, and served as team captain during his senior year. Dale's excellence earned him significant recognition, including selection as a second-team All-American in 1958 and a first-team All-American in 1959. He was the first All-American in football history. In 1959, he was named Player of the Year, and he received First-Team All- honors in both 1958 and 1959. Additionally, he was awarded the Jacobs Blocking Trophy in 1958 for his contributions as a blocker and was voted Touchdown Club Lineman of the Year for three consecutive seasons from 1957 to 1959. Dale's consistent production and leadership had a lasting impact on the Hokies program, helping to elevate its profile in the . His achievements as the school's first prominent All-American receiver laid a foundation for future success, with his number 84 later retired in recognition of his contributions.

Hall of Fame inductions

Carroll Dale was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979, recognizing his pivotal role as a for the team from 1965 to 1972, during which he contributed to three consecutive championships and two victories. In 1982, Dale became a member of the inaugural class of the Sports Hall of Fame, honoring his standout college career at the university where he played from 1956 to 1959, setting receiving records and earning All-American honors as the school's first such recipient. Dale's induction into the occurred in 1987, administered by the National Football Foundation, celebrating his exceptional performance as an end at , where he amassed 67 receptions for 1,195 yards and 15 touchdowns over four seasons while starting 39 consecutive games. The Virginia Sports Hall of Fame inducted Dale in 2017, acknowledging his lifelong contributions to football as a native Virginian who excelled at both the collegiate and professional levels, including his tenure with the , , and Minnesota Vikings. Additional local recognitions in —Dale's hometown—include the 1967 dedication of Carroll Dale Stadium at J.J. Kelly High School, named in his honor to commemorate his achievements as a former standout athlete from the area.

References

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